by: joonil

As much as I enjoyed getting caught in near hurricane weather last year at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, the toils of life kept me in NYC for the 2009 MotoGP round at the Brickyard. A very good consolation was a smashing viewing party organized by the good folk at Corsa Motorsports, in conjunction with Red Bull.

Festivities included a live DJ, free food and drink, bike show with prizes awarded, and of course a big HD projection screen to show the races. They even raffled off a set of GP theme appropriate Bridgestone trackday tires (missed it by two numbers damnit) after the viewing. Them rubbers aint cheap people.

I must admit I wholeheartedly enjoyed this party, much more so than the one they threw last year for the 08 Laguna GP. More laid back but just as professional. No hint of pretension, just a crowd of motorcyclists getting together on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon hopped up on Red Bull and old-fashioned excitement for race day. Cheering and jeering in near unison as European after European crashed, fortune smiling on a certain Kentucky Kid on a red/whit/blue Desmo16 as he squeeeezed himself onto the podium. It was a good day.

by: joonil

With the absence of Indian Larrys Grease Monkey Block Party it falls on a younger crowd to turn it out on North 14 Street (Gasoline Alley) in Brooklyns Williamsburg/Greenpoint neighborhood.

A collaboration of local moto-businesses, hosted by Works Engineering, put on an amazing event with a great turnout despite the stifling NYC summer heat. From Larrys old comrades now at Keino Cycles and Genuine Motorworks to new sponsors like Zero Motorcycles showcasing their electric dual sport with via demo truck. Live music, artwork, and rows of vendor tents made for an impressively organized block party...not to mention the BBQ, beer, and motorbikes that lined the curb of the entire block. Works even raffled off a sweet vintage Trumpet with proceeds going to a local downed riders medical expenses.

This event epitomizes why I live here in regards to the presence of motorcycle sub-culture...the network of riders in a dauntingly crowded city. Not to exclude weekend warriors or shirtless freaks on chrome/stretched Busas, but the realest, daily motorbikers in New York have a mutual respect, that is if they dont already know each other. Relatively speaking this isnt the nicest place for an honest motorcyclist, but parties like this help to reinforce that sense of community and history.

Speaking of moto-history the Grease Monkey is making a comeback to Union Avenue here in the hood. More on that to come soon...

by: joonil

A high-side at the racetrack has left this blog postless for the past few weeks. Relatively minor as far as high-siding goes, I was left with a busted Daytona and a bruised left side of my body. While my fingers could still operate a keyboard the recent development and required rest has put a strain on my time management skills and subsequently put this blog on the back burner. I apologize to my reader(s)(?) but now a couple weeks stronger I am back to typing and back to riding.

Which leads me to a question I get asked by students, how and when do you return to riding after crashing? Now one must realize the numerous factors and variances per crash case...but I wont even go there. Obviously one must be healthy and fit to ride physically, but the issue of state of mind...

Every experienced rider knows that riding well, especially staying safe in traffic, is more mental and visual then anything else. Staying sharp and focused is probably the #1 asset in not getting killed on the road.
I strongly believe in having a healthy fear of riding every time you swing a leg over a motorbike. Confidence in your ability mixed with fear of road and traffic keeps you alive, while anxiety and hesitation will get you dead.

What amazes me are the new short-time riders (quitting motorcycling shortly after getting their first bike either because of "close calls" or getting seriously hurt or killed) who think they wont ever get hurt, or put the risks of riding out of their minds entirely. I say you are ready to jump back on the horse not when you can spit in the face of danger, but when you can look him the eyes, and shake his hand. Tell him, "Thanks for the lesson, next time Ill be ready."